The purpose of this study was to extend the research on functional communication training by examining the use of a speech-generating device (SGD) for a 7-year-old child with autism and no spoken language who demonstrated inappropriate vocalizations that served multiple functions. An analog functional analysis was used to determine the function of…

Theoretical considerations suggest that problem behavior should increase when a child's competency does not match the curricular demands of the environment (i.e., when there is poor environmental fit). In the present study, environmental fit was examined for six children with autism spectrum disorders. Results indicated that the children exhibited…

This discussion of positive behavior support for people with disabilities identifies four themes: (1) behavior support should reduce problem behavior and affect how a person lives; (2) functional assessment is the foundation for understanding patterns of problem behavior; (3) behavior support should be comprehensive in structure and scope; and (4)…

A functional behavioral assessment for a 10-year-old boy with autism found both teacher attention and escape from task demands maintained his problem behavior. A choice-making intervention involving either completing work alone followed by a break with teacher attention versus working with teacher assistance was found to decrease problem behavior…

This article explains how challenging routines for families of children with behavior disorders can be converted into opportunities to teach communication skills. A case description illustrates how routines-based intervention can extend procedures of functional assessment and positive behavior support. The approach offers flexibility in applying a…